Surf athletes make pink safety splash

It is compulsory the vests are worn at all state surf events this season, with the national body to follow next year.

The changes come after a safety review following the death of teenager Matthew Barclay at this year's Australian Championships on the Gold Coast.

SLSQ sports manager Stuart Hogben says some clubs are even wearing the vests during training.

"Across the board clubs have been very forthcoming of it," he said.

"Our policy stated they had to wear it in competition.

"But even some of our larger clubs, they've actually made it compulsory that any of their training sessions they have mid-week or weekends, that their competitors are wearing those singlets at that training session."

Mr Hogben says the concept of pink vests has been the most popular.

"One of the things we have looked at is the quality of the colour in the water, not just on top of the surface," he said.

"The other thing was making it easier for clubs just to have the one colour - doesn't matter if it's male or female - it's about the safety of our competitors."

He says the concept has been particularly popular among clubs in the tropics.

"Definitely up in north Queensland where conditions and water quality isn't always fantastic, the water safety guys up there really complimented how much easier it is to actually keep an eye on the kids while they're in the water competing," he said.